Chattanooga, Tenn. — June 3, 2026 — The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has launched the Research for Evidence-based Action in Community Health (REACH) Fund, already supporting 10 interdisciplinary projects aimed at improving health outcomes across Southeast Tennessee.
Established earlier this year through the Journey Health Foundation Research Center in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, the REACH Fund provides up to $25,000 per project to advance community-driven research addressing the social determinants of health (SDoH).
Projects funded in 2026 include initiatives to improve emergency response equity, pediatric preventive care, fall prevention among older adults, food security, environmental health, opioid policy evaluation, and chronic disease disparities. Other innovative efforts include training hair stylists as community care connectors, bringing health screenings to libraries, and exploring how bicycle access impacts individuals experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Hemant Jain, director of the Journey Health Foundation Research Center, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “These projects bring together UTC faculty and community partners to tackle pressing health challenges, ensuring research translates into real-world impact.”
By combining academic expertise with local partnerships, the REACH Fund is building a stronger foundation for community-engaged health research, helping Southeast Tennessee address systemic barriers and improve wellbeing for residents across the region.
